"The Decline and Fall of the British Aristocracy" is the first serious and sustained attempt to study the remarkable history of the British aristocracy as it has unfolded during the last hundred years. David Cannadine recounts the process by which notables and nobles lost their wealth, power, and prestige. The result is a compelling account of one of the most significant social changes to have occurred in modern history: it is also a rivetting human drama, sometimes absurd, sometimes tragic, invariably fascinating.